Abstract: Rotor blades are known to experience a variety of pitching and plunging motions due to the unsteady aerodynamics associated with VTOL flight systems. These motions affect the formation of the tip vortex, resulting in blade vortex interaction (BVI) and blade wake interaction (BWI) noise generation. Many studies have been performed recently to understand the unsteady aerodynamics associated with micro aerial vehicles (MAV) and small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAV) due to their recent rise in popularity. However, little research has been performed to focus on their BVI and BWI noise generation outside of CFD simulations. Using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and laser doppler velocimetry (LDV), we will provide highly accurate experimental data of the unsteady aerodynamics upon a flapping wing, including the turbulent pressure fluctuations upon the wing surface. This data can be used to create a predictive model of the noise generation on an airfoil in unsteady aerodynamic conditions.

Abstract: Resilience research has historically focused on individual-level protective factors, often overlooking culturally embedded processes that support adaptation. The present study aims to develop and preliminarily validate a Cultural Resilience Subscale (CRS) as a complementary addition to the Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA; Friborg et al., 2005), to capture culturally grounded resilience processes relevant to second-generation Black Americans. The CRS interprets traditional RSA domains such as personal competence, social resources, and family cohesion through a cultural lens, highlighting the roles of heritage, community, and traditions in promoting psychological well-being. Approximately 350 participants will be recruited through Prolific, completing an online cross-sectional survey including the CRS, RSA, Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale (PWS), and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). The sample will be randomly split to conduct exploratory factor analysis (EFA) on one half and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on the other, with additional analyses examining internal consistency and convergent and divergent validity. It is hypothesized that the CRS will display a factor structure that is consistent with theoretically derived domains, positive associations with established resilience and well-being measures, and negative associations with perceived stress. Exploratory analyses will also consider demographic correlates of cultural resilience. If supported, findings will provide preliminary evidence that culturally grounded dimensions enhance existing resilience frameworks, capturing processes of adaptation not fully reflected in the RSA. The results are expected to advance theoretical understanding of resilience in culturally diverse populations and inform clinical and community interventions that focus on cultural identity, heritage, and community-based resources as protective factors.

Abstract: An optimized thermodynamic design of a low-temperature solar-powered plant for combined power generation and desalination is presented in this study. The work is motivated by the growing global demand for freshwater and the need for sustainable utilization of low-grade solar heat. The proposed system couples a Mechanical Vapor Compression (MVC) desalination unit with a Rankine-based power cycle operating within a solar thermal temperature range of 200–400 °C, typical of compact solar collectors. The objective is to evaluate the technical viability of the integrated system through detailed thermodynamic modeling and performance assessment. The analysis includes energy and exergy evaluations of the working fluid loops and the MVC subsystem, with emphasis on specific power consumption and overall cycle efficiency as primary success criteria. Several Rankine cycle configurations are investigated, including basic and regenerative Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC), to determine their suitability for driving the MVC compressor. Results from the comparative analysis indicate that the regenerative ORC achieves higher efficiency and better utilization of solar thermal input, making it optimal for source temperatures below 400 °C. The MVC unit is analyzed in both compression and vacuum operation modes using modeled vapor properties to predict the specific power consumption (kWh/m³) for each case. The results demonstrate that vacuum operation substantially reduces the compression work, leading to enhanced energy efficiency. The proposed solar-powered MVC–ORC configuration offers a promising pathway toward sustainable, small-scale freshwater production using low-temperature solar resources.

Abstract: Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising material for high-temperature and structural applications due to its excellent mechanical strength, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. To enable its use in additive manufacturing, particularly in 3D-printed lattice architectures, the production of fine, uniform SiC powder is essential. In this study, SiC powder was subjected to high-energy ball milling using zirconia media for 10 hours to obtain refined particles suitable for additive manufacturing feedstock. Comprehensive post-milling characterization was conducted to evaluate microstructural evolution, phase stability, and potential contamination. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed the formation of submicron-sized, equiaxed particles with limited agglomeration. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the predominance of the a-SiC phase, indicating that milling did not induce phase transformation or amorphization. X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis detected measurable zirconia incorporation from the milling media, confirming partial contamination during processing. Particle size analysis showed a mean particle diameter of 1.108 ± 0.011 µm for the milled powder, representing a significant reduction compared to the unmilled SiC feedstock. These findings demonstrate effective particle refinement through controlled milling, while also highlighting the trade-off between size reduction and contamination, providing key insights for optimizing SiC powder preparation for 3D-printed lattice structures.

Abstract: The purpose of this research is to experimentally investigate the effects of shock waves on small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using a laboratory-scale shock tube facility. Understanding how drones respond to high-intensity aerodynamic disturbances is essential for applications in defense, search and rescue, and severe weather monitoring. In this study, shock waves are generated within the shock tube and directed toward a small UAV positioned at the open end, simulating a sudden blast or gust event. Fast-response pressure transducers measure the incident and reflected shock strengths, while high-speed imaging captures the transient fluid–structure interaction and overall deformation response. A synchronized triggering system ensures precise temporal alignment between the pressure data and visual recordings. The collected data provide insight into the dynamic loading and structural response of UAV components under impulsive conditions. This research aims to identify critical vulnerabilities in drone structures subjected to shock impacts and to suggest potential design improvements for enhanced resilience. Beyond its technical objectives, the project provides valuable student training in experimental aerodynamics, shock tube operation, high-speed diagnostics, and data analysis. The results will contribute to improving UAV survivability and reliability in harsh operational environments. **The support of CEAT Undergraduate Research Scholar Program is gratefully acknowledged.

Abstract: This study explored the relationship between Secure attachment and Gottman’s Four Horsemen of relationship conflict (Criticism, Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling). An online survey was completed by 278 participants at a mid-sized university in 2018. Results showed Secure attachment was negatively related to Contempt, Defensiveness, and Stonewalling, suggesting Secure individuals use fewer destructive conflict behaviors.

Abstract: Additive Manufacturing (AM) is an advanced manufacturing technique in which components are fabricated layer by layer to create complex three-dimensional geometries efficiently. Despite its advantages, a major challenge in AM lies in the time-consuming and costly mechanical testing required to evaluate material performance. In this study, location-specific mechanical properties of AM parts are characterized using mini-specimens measuring 3 mm × 1.2 mm x 0.25 mm, extracted from various regions of a printed AM component. Key mechanical parameters such as stiffness, yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and strain to failure are determined to assess spatial variations in material behavior. Furthermore, the influence of thermal history at each location is correlated with the corresponding mechanical response. The results reveal distinct differences between location-specific testing and conventional bulk tensile testing, the latter providing only averaged material properties. This work demonstrates that localized testing using mini specimens offers a more detailed understanding of the mechanical heterogeneity in AM parts, enabling improved prediction of component performance and service life.

Abstract: Background-Oriented Schlieren (BOS) imaging is investigated experimentally to explore its potential for visualizing and quantifying flow mixing processes. Efficient and homogeneous mixing of fuel and air is critical to achieving complete combustion in industrial burners and flares commonly used in process plants. The BOS technique provides a non-intrusive, optical method to characterize such flows by relating refractive index variations—caused by local density gradients—to apparent displacements in a background pattern. These displacements can be analyzed to reconstruct density and velocity fields in the flow. In this study, efforts are directed toward the development of a laboratory-scale BOS optical setup for flow diagnostics. The system employs a high-resolution camera and controlled background illumination to capture refracted light distortions. The image processing and flow reconstruction are performed using an open-source, MATLAB-based software package capable of handling both still images and high-speed video data for velocity diagnostics. As an initial test case, the BOS system is applied to visualize the flow field of a small diffusion flame subjected to an air crossflow—representative of thermal plumes in crossflow conditions encountered in combustion and petrochemical applications. Preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of the technique in resolving refractive index variations associated with mixing layers, supporting its application as a low-cost diagnostic tool for studying complex flow structures in thermally driven environments.

Abstract: Renewable Energy Storage Using Compressed Air and Thermal Systems. Background:   Because renewable electricity generation continues to flourish, cleaner and cheaper storage systems are necessary in order to offset the need for intermittent wind and solar power. To provide sustainable substitutes for electrochemical batteries for grid applications, Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) and Thermal Energy Storage (TES) have been developed.   Methods:   Energy density, round-trip efficiency, and cost per unit of stored energy were calculated using data-driven comparative models. For higher efficiency, the CAES model uses thermodynamic behavior regarding multi-stage air compression and expansion with heat recovery methods. The TES model investigates sensible and latent heat storage with molten salts and phase-change materials. Parameters were used to estimate system pressures (50–100 bar), storage temperatures (200–600 °C), and variations in material cost relative to energy storage capacity. Findings: Based on modelling results, the energy densities of TES systems are in the range of 60–120 kWh/m³, and their efficiencies of 70–85%, are markedly superior to classical CAES (30–70 kWh/m³; 50–70% efficiency).CAES provides lower installation costs (˜ $0.10–$0.30/kWh) with the advantage of better scalability to long-duration storage. Hybrid CAES–TES configurations enhance heat recovery and reduce exergy losses by up to 25%. Conclusion: TES provides efficiency advantages in small or domestic applications, CAES is more affordable for large, long-term storage. Together, the hybrid strategy enables the sustainable application of renewable energy in a balanced manner, thus increasing reliability and lowering overall life-cycle cost in an emerging energy infrastructure.

Abstract: Previous research shows lasting detrimental effects of adversity on physical and mental health but, these relations are also influenced by protective and compensatory experiences (PACEs). These analyses examine the retrospective and current reports of PACEs as a measurement of cumulative protection.  Method Two samples of adults from south-Midwest United States completed measures of childhood experiences, mental health, and adjustment. Retrospective childhood experiences were assessed by the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) survey and the Protective and Compensatory Experiences (PACE) survey. Current protective experiences were assessed using the current PACEs survey.  Results ACEs were significantly correlated with all outcomes in the expected directions. In Study 1 (n=550; Mage=20yrs) Cronbach’s alpha was .66 for PACEs and .80 for ACEs. PACEs were significantly inversely correlated with adversity, symptoms of anxiety and depression, emotion regulation difficulties, and substance use (r=-.14 to -.25, p’s<.001). In Study 2 (n=346, Mage= 21yrs) Cronbach’s alpha was .80 for ACEs, .68 for youth PACEs, and .88 for current PACEs. Current PACEs were significantly inversely correlated with adversity, symptoms of anxiety and depression, and emotional problems (r=-.33 to -.50, p’s<.001).  Conclusion Protective and compensatory experiences may buffer negative consequences, but researchers and clinicians need to measure the dose and frequency. Establishing measurements of PACEs that are developmentally appropriate and valid is vital for future progress. Using ongoing data collection, validity and reliability indices will be reported on three measures that evaluate PACEs in infancy (0-5 years), middle childhood (6-11 years), adolescence (12-17 years).

Abstract: The behavior of liquid droplets on horizontally rotating fibers is experimentally investigated, with a focus on determining when gravity or rotation dominates their motion. The research has concentrated on using experimental observations and dimensionless analysis to describe the effects of gravity, inertia, viscosity, and surface tension. Droplet height was measured from images taken on the stationary cylinder, and additional tests were performed at different rotation speeds. Droplet motion at these speeds was recorded using a high-speed camera (IDT XS-4), while the rotation rate was controlled with a potentiometer and calibrated through high-speed imaging. This data was then used to calculate the Capillary number (Ca) and Bond number (Bo), capturing the balance of forces acting on the droplet. These results show how increasing rotation influences droplet stability and provide a first step toward identifying transitions between different gravity-dominated regimes (symmetric and non-symmetric deformation regimes). The Ohnesorge number (Oh) captures the effect of viscous forces. Understanding these regime transitions can help guide the design of systems where controlling droplet motion is essential, such as oil-water separation, water harvesting, and anti-foiling surfaces.    **The support of CEAT Undergraduate Research Scholar Program is gratefully acknowledged.

Abstract: Helicopter operations at sea are complex because winds and turbulence around a ship’s deck can change rapidly, especially during gusty conditions. These unpredictable airflows make takeoff and landing challenging and sometimes unsafe. This project investigates how wind gusts influence the airflow around a modern naval ship using a small-scale model in an open test section. A controlled fan system generates repeatable gusts, and a high-speed imaging technique captures how air moves across the ship’s deck. Preliminary results show that air tends to swirl and rise near the hangar and along deck edges, creating complex flow patterns that shift with each gust. By studying these effects, this research aims to improve understanding of the ship’s air environment and support the development of safer landing procedures and design solutions for future naval helicopter operations.